Quantum and carbon dots conjugated molecularly imprinted polymers as advanced nanomaterials for selective recognition of analytes in environmental, food and biomedical applications

Abstract Samples with complex matrix analyzed during explanation of pathogenesis of various diseases and food or environmental monitoring request advanced analytical and instrumental devices. Among the materials used for described purposes, quantum (QDs) or carbon dots (CDs) layered by molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) shells have gained widespread attention. Unique optical and physicochemical properties of QDs/CDs together with high MIPs selectivity make the QD/CD-MIP conjugates capable of adsorbing specific target molecules – such a binding event is then transduced as the optical signal of the response by the QDs/CDs. This review includes brief introduction on principles of imprinting process, QD/CD properties and QD/CD-MIP preparation techniques. Then, recent advancement of QD/CD-MIP in bioanalysis including environmental, biological and food samples investigations are summarized and emphasized. Finally, current limits of QD/CD-MIPs are defined and prospects are outlined to intensify the capability of QD/CD-MIP in future bioanalytical procedures.